n. 25B6; noun
(Brit. informal) he's gone out with his mates : FRIEND, companion, boon companion, intimate, familiar, confidant; playmate, playfellow, schoolmate, classmate, workmate; informal pal, chum; Brit. informal china, mucker; N. English informal marra; N. Amer. informal buddy, amigo, compadre, homeboy; archaic compeer.
she's finally found her ideal mate : PARTNER, husband, wife, spouse, lover, live-in lover, significant other, companion, helpmate, helpmeet, consort; informal better half, hubby, missus, missis; Brit. informal other half, dutch, trouble and strife.
I can't find the mate to this sock : MATCH, fellow, twin, companion, pair, other half, equivalent.
a plumber's mate : ASSISTANT, helper, apprentice.
25B6; verb pandas rarely mate in captivity : BREED, couple, copulate.